Method and apparatus useful in drilling and producing wells



Sept. l0, 1940. A. ENGLISH. 2,214,226

METHOD AND APPARATUS USEFUL IN DRILLING AND PRODUCING WELLS I Filed Hatch 29, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet l @www A. ENGLISH sept. lo, 1940.

METHGD AND APPARATUS USEFUL IN DRILLING ND PRODUGING WELLS Filed march 29, 1959 2 sheets-sneu 2 c t A il; 2, 2

Patented Sept. l0,` 1940 PMNT arriba METHOD, AND APPARATUS USEFUL m DRELING AND PRODUCING WELLS Aaron English, Bellower., Calif.

Application March 29, 1939, Serial No. 264,769

15 Claims.

This invention relates to methods and means useful in drilling, equipping, producing and reconditioning wells, and relates more particularly to methods and means for expanding tubular objects in wells. A general object of this invention is to provide an eiicient, practical method, and a simple, dependable and inexpensive apparatus for expanding tubular objects in wells.

In drilling, equipping, and reconditioning deep Wells such as oil wells and gas wells, it is often necessary to provide seals or shut-ois in the wells. For example, it is often necessary to seal off unwanted fluids vfrom the earth formation penetrated by a well and seals must be provided about the casings and at points of leakage in the casings. Heretofore, plastic cement has been employed to seal oi the unwanted uids, to seal about the well casings, and to repair leaking casings, etc. The equipment and operations required for such cementing operations are expensive and in many cases the cement does not provide a tight, effective seal. The mud on the walls of a well often prevents good sealing engagement of the cement with the earth formation and 25 channels sometimes develop in the hardened cement which allow the unwanted fluids to enter the well. In some cases-the plastic cement introduced into a well under pressure enters the strata `bearing the wanted uids and lessens or prevents the production from these strata.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method for expanding tubing in a Well to provide an effective dependable seal or shut 01T.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method for expanding a metal tubing in a well in which the tubing is expanded and forced against the wall of the well, which may be the earth formation or the well casing, with great force or under great pressure, to bring the` metal 40 of the tubing into intimate sealing contact with the wall of the well and to securely lodge or fix the expanded tubing in the well to remain as an eiective sealing element.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method for producing a seal ina well in which a ductile metal tube is expanded against the well wall in such a manner that it conforms to the formation or structure of the wall and is made to i'low into the interstices of the well wall to be permanently secured thereto and to eiectively seal therewith.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method of the character mentioned that permits a second sealing operation or a resealing operation to be performed in the event that the rst (Cl. 16E-J.)

sealing operation is unsuccessful or in case-the flrst seal is destroyed.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method of the character mentioned that may be easily and quickly carried out with simple, conventional equipment.

Another object of this invention is to provide improved apparatus for making an effective and dependable shut-off or seal in a well.

Another object of this invention is to provide apparatus for safely and effectively expanding a ductile metal tube in a well to cause the tube to seal with the wall of the well. l

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel and improved sealing element for application to the lower end of a well casing to seal with the Wall of the well.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel and eective sealing element for sealing with the wall of .a .well to make a side wall shutolf-or to repair the well casing.

A further object of this invention is to provide anovel and effective sealing element for making a bottom hole shut-off in a Well.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed' description of typical preferred manners of carrying out the method and typical preferred forms and applications of the apparatus of my invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a more or less diagrammatic view of a portion of a typical well with one form of apparatus of the invention in position therein to carry out the method of the invention. Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the condition of the parts following the expansion of the sealing member. Fig, 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional View of the pressure generating means illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 4 is a more or less diagrammatic view of a portion of a well showing a sealing member of the invention expanded therein to make a bottom hole shut-oil, Fig. 5 is a more orless diagrammatic view of a portion of a typical well with another form of equipment of the invention arranged therein in accordance with the method to repair the well casing. Fig. 6 is a more or less diagrammatic view of a. portion of a typical well illustrating another form of apparatus of the invention in position for the expanding operation and Fig. 7 is a View similar to Fig. 6 showing the sealing member expanded to seal 01T a hole in the casing.

The method of the present invention may be employed in connection with various phases of drilling, equipping, producing and conditioning Wells. In the following detailed description I will describe several typical applications of the method and several typical forms and iapplica,- tions of the apparatus of the invention. It is to be understood that the invention is not to be construed as limited or restricted to the specific applications of the method and forms and applications of the apparatus about to be described.

To facilitate .a vclear understanding of the method of the invention as carried out in the manner illustrated in Figs. 1 vto 3, inclusive, I will rst proceed with a detailed description of the apparatus illustrated in these figures and `will follow such description with a disclosure of the method as employed with the apparatus.

The apparatus of the invention illustrated in Figs.'1, 2 and '3 may be said to comprise, generally, a tubular structure I0 to be installed in a well W, a ductile tubular member II associated with the structure I0, means I2 operable to generate pressure in the well to expand the member II into sealing cooperation with the wall of the well and thus provide a seal between the structure I0 and the'well wall and means I3 for operating or setting off the pressure generating means I2.

The tubular-structure I0 may be installed in the well W to line the same or to conduct fluid,

or both. In practice the structure III may be in The casing or the nature of a well casing. structure I0 comprises a plurality of lengths or sections connected by collars and lowered into the well W as assembled, this being in accordance with the usual procedure. structure I0 mayv be fabricated to be of such length that its lower end occurs between a productive stratum A and a stratum B producing unwanted fluid when the structure is in its final position in the well. In most instances it is practical to construct the structure I0 so that its lower end is at or adjacent a hard stratum C above the productive stratum A when finally set in the well. It is to be understood that the casing structure I0 may be handled by the hoisting equipment at the well derrick and may be supported or suspended from its 'upper end in accordance with the usual practice..

The tubular member II is an important element of the invention. 'Ihe member II is connected in or secured to the structure I I) and is in the nature of a sealing element for sealing with the wall of the well W to provide a fluid tight and a pressure tight seal or shut-off between tlie well wall and the structure I 0. In accordance with the invention the member II is expansible by internal pressure to seal with the earth formation at the well wall andis such that it retains its shape after expansion. It is preferred to construct the expansible tubular member II of a ductile material. In practice the tub-ular member II may be formed of a ductile metal such as copper, aluminum or its alloys, lead or its alloys, tin, soft iron, or the like.

ever, it is preferred to make the wall thickness of the member II substantially greater than that 'I'he casingr of the casing structure I0 to have sumclent wall thickness following its expansion. 'I'he member II is proportioned to pass into or through the well W with substantial clearance. -The length of the member I I may vary and in practice may. depend upon the extent of the hard stratum C with which it is to seal. member II may be secured to the casing structure I0 in any suitable manner. As illustrated in the drawings the member II may be attached to the lower end of the structure I0 by a threaded coupling I4. It is to be observed that the member I I is a simple, inexpensive element readily connected with the structure I0.

The means` I2 is operable to generate pressure in the element II to expand the same into sealing contact with the wall of the well W. The means I2 -may be varied widely in character at the option of the operator and to suit varying conditions in the well. vThe means I2 is preferably such thatit is capable of suddenly developing substantial pressure in a given zone or area within the tubular member II to eifect an outward distortion or expansion of the member. It is preferred that the means I2 be suchthat it operates effectively in the mud fluid usually present in a deep well. In practice the means I2 may comprise an explosive charge X such yas a charge of dynamite, trinitrotoluene, or the like, in a suitable cartridge or container I5. The active charge X of the means I2 may, if desired,

The ductile expansible be in the form of a gaseous or uid mixture to explode or generate substantial pressure upon ignition or when subjected to other special treatment. In the case illustrated it may be considered that the means I2 includesl a charge X of dynamite orthe like adapted to be exploded by a detonating cap or percussion cap IB.

The cartridge or container I5 for the charge X is, of course, frangible and'is initially watertight and fluid-tight. The container I5 is proportioned to readily pass down through the structure II) and into the member II. The upper end of the container I5 may be .closed by a cap or cover I1. 'I'he cover I1 may be shaped to have a rope socket I8 for receiving and retaining the end of a cable or line I9 for lowering the means I2 into the well. The cover I1 may be depressed downwardly and inwardly from adjacent its periphery to have an upwardly facing annular groove 20 and its central portion may be raised to provide the socket I8 in its under side. 'I'he percussion cap I6 may be set in an opening in the cover I1 to project upwardly to the bottom of the groove 20. The means I2 may be readily lowered into the well on the line I9 to its position in the member II. The line I9 may be measured as the means I2 is lowered into the well to locate the means I2 in the correct position in the member Il.

The means I3 is provided to fire the percussion cap I6 lto set oi the charge X in the container I5. The means I3 comprises a weight element or go-devil 2I adapted to be dropped down the line I9 to strike the cap I6. 'I'he godevil 2I is tubular and is designed to freely pass down thecable I9. The lower portion of the go-devil 2I is ared at 22 to t or enter the groove 20 and to strike and fire the cap I6.

The method ofthe invention aspracticed vwith the apparatus illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 may be said to comprise, generally, the attachment of the member II to the casing structure I0, the arrangement o f the structure I0 in the well W, the positioning of the pressure generating means I2 fin the member II and the actuation ordischarging of the means I2 to expand the member II into eective sealing cooperation with the wall of the well W.

The sealing member II may be readily connected with the structure I by the coupling I4 and the structure carrying the member I I may be run into the well W in the usual manner. The location of the hard stratum C may-have been .previously determined by`surveying and locating methods accompanying the drilling operations and the structure I0 may be assembled and run into the well to bring the expansible member Il to a position in that portion of the well W passing through the stratum C. The pressure generating means I2 is then secured to the line I9 and run down through the structure I0 on the line. The cable or line I9 is measured so that the means I2 is brought to the selected position between the ends of the expansible member Il. When the means I2 has been arranged in place the go-devil 2i is runvor dropped down the line I9 from the surface of the ground to set oif the charge X in the container I5. The godevil strikes and fires the percussion cap I6 to set off the charge X of the means I2.

It is to be understood that the well W may contain a column of mud, fluid or other liquid employed in the drilling operations and that this column may be of substantial height. The column of fluid in the well W serves to conne the pressure resulting from the discharge of the means I2 so that the pressure generated by the means l2 is exerted laterally to eiectively expand the member II. The means I2 may be of substantial length so that its discharge results in the expansion of a substantial vertical portion 23 of the member I I. Fig. 2 of the drawings illustrates the condition of the member II following the discharge or actuation of the means I2. The pressure suddenly generated by the means I2 evenly and fully expandsthe portion 23 of the member II to bring its outer surface into tight intimate contact with the wall of the well W. The pressure generated by the means I2 may 'be suilicient to cause the metal of the ductile member I I to flow into and ll the crevices and interstices of the earth formation at the wall of the well W. Accordingly, the member II is expanded into tight sealing engagement with the wall of the well W and this engagement is such that the member is securely held against movement in the well. It will be seen that the member II provides a full, dependable and lasting shut off or seal at the lower end of the structure I0 to prevent the contamination of the uid produced from the stratum A. Following the actuation or discharge of the means I2 the line I 9 carrying the go-devil 2l and the cover I1 and any other remaining parts of the container I is Withdrawn from the well. If desired or necessary the above operations may be repeated to provide the member II with two or more sealing portions 23.

The well. W may be allowed to produce from the stratum A and any other lower productive strata until the same are depleted. If at any time it is desired to remove or replace the casing structure I0 the ductile sealing element II may be easily and inexpensively cut free from the structure I0 by a. ripper, or the like, or it may be readily drilled up by an expansible drilling tool such as an under-reamer, wall scraper, or the like. Following the removal or disconnection of the member II the structure I0 may be lowered, removed or handled in other manners.

.member in the well.

In Fig. 4 of the drawings I have illustrated an expansible sealing member IIEL that has been expanded in the well W by the method of the in- `of the well W with suitable clearance so that it may be easily run to the selected point inl the well. The member I Iis expansible being formed of a readily deformable or ductile material such as copper, aluminum or its alloys, lead or its alloys, etc. The upper portion of the member IIB has means for facilitating its connection with a setting string (not Yshown) for arranging the In the case illustrated a lefthand thread 24 is provided on'the upper pore tion of the member I Ia to mate with a thread on the lower end of a`string of pipe, or the like,

-which may be employed to position the member I I a in the well. l

In carryingout the method of the' invention with the member IIa illustratedl in Fig. 4` the member IIa `is detachably connected with the lower end of a suitable setting string (not shown) and is lowered into the well` on the string to a point above the stratum D producing the unwanted iluid. It is preferred torposition or arrange the member Ilain a portion of the well W passing through a hard stratum E. Means for generating pressure is then lowererd into the well to a position in the member I la and is actuated or discharged to expand the member. The pressure generating means may be of the same type as the means -I2 and may be discharged by the means I3 described above, or if desired, may be Aof the type illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings to be discharged by electrical ignition. The actuation or discharge of the pressure generating means expands the member Ila to a condition such as illustrated in'Fig. 4 of the drawings so that it has a substantial portion k238L expanded into tight, even sealing engagement with the wall of the well W. The expanded member IIa is firmly held in contact with the well wall to be immovable in the well. The line or string carrying the pressuregenerating means is withdrawn from the well W following the expansion of the member IIa and the setting string (not shown) is detached from the member IIa and pulled from the well. The expanded member I Ia is rmly lodged or secured in the well W so that the lefthand thread of the string may be easily unthreaded from the thread'Zd to permit the removal of the string from the well.

The member IIB is adapted. to remain in the well W to fully and dependably shut oil. the fluid 'from the stratum D so that it cannot contaminate the fluids produced from higher strata. The member Ila being constructed of a relatively soft ductile material may be easily and quickly destroyed or drilled up by drilling tools, or the like, if it is desired to deepen the well or carry on other operations below the member.

In Fig. 5 of the drawings I have illustrated one manner of employing the method and apparatus of the invention to prevent the entrance of -unwanted fluid into the well W at a point between the upper and lower ends of the well. In this case the well W is equipped with a casing and the casing 30 has a leak or opening 3| admitting unwanted fluid from the well W to its interior. It is to be observed that the casing 30 forms the wall of the well .W and that the means and method are utilized to seal 01T the well to prevent the entrance of fluid or to provide a shut oil.

The apparatus of the present invention illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings includes, generally, a tubular string or structure |01 adapted to be run into the well, an expansible tubular member I I1 connected in the structure |01.and means |21 for expanding the member ||1 to seal with the casing 30.

The string or structure |01 may be in the nature of a plurality of tubing or casing sections connected together to form a casing within the casing 30. The sealing member I I1 is a tubular section of ductile or expansible material interposed inthe structure |01. The member H1 is formed of copper, aluminum or its alloys, tin, lead or its alloys, or other ductile material capable of expansion by internal pressure. The member ||1 may be connected in the string 01 by suitable threaded couplings or collars 32. The diameter of the member I l1 may be substantially the same as that of the pipe or casing sections of the structure |01. The wall thickness of the member ||1 is preferably rgreater than the wall thickness of the structure |01. It is preferred to make the member ||1 of substantial length to extend a considerable distance above and below the opening 3| when in position in the casing 30.

While the member'llb formed of a relatively soft ductile material of the character referred to above is adapted to have effective sealing contact with the interior of the casing 30 when expanded, it may be found desirable to provide a layer or coating of synthetic rubber or other sealing material on the member ||1 to seal with the casing 30 and to lessen or eliminate an electrolytic action between the member and the casing. The means |21 'for generating pressure to expand the member ||1 may be the same as the means |2 described above, or may be of the type illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings. I

In carrying'l out the method of the invention with the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 5 of the drawings the structure |01 is assembled and run down through thel casing 30. The expansible member ||1 is assembled or connected in theA or structure |b is in place in the Well. Whenv the vstructure |01 has been lowered to the proper position the means |21 is lowered down through the structure |01 on a line |91 and is actuated or discharged to expand the member ||1. The

member |1 may be expanded at two vertically spaced points or zones 33 and 34 above and below the opening 3| to seal with the casing 30 above and below the opening and thus prevent the entrance of uid through the opening 3|.

The member ||1 may beexpanded at the two zones 33 and 34 byseparate successive operations involving the employment of two-separate pressure generating means |21 or the expansion of the two`zones 33 and 34 may be accomplished by employing a special generating means having two vertically spaced charges to be set off simultaneously or in succession. Following the actuation or discharge of the means |21 the line |91 is withdrawn from the well. The expanded portions or zones 33 and 34 of the member H1? evenly 'and tightly seal with the internal surface of the casing 30 to completely shut olf the opening 3|. The

' off the charge in the container 43.

Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings illustrate another form of apparatus of the invention and another manner of carrying out the method of the invention to repair or lclose oi a leak in-a well casing. In Figs. 6 and 7 the well W is equipped with a casing 40 having a leak or opening 4| admitting illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 comprises an expansible member ||c to be arranged in the casing 40 and pressure generating means I2c for expanding themember ||c to seal oli the leak or opening 4| in the casing 40. Y

'I'he member is an elongate element or structure adapted to be passed down through the casing 40 to a position at the opening 4|. It is preferred to make the member |c of substantial length to extend some distance above and below the opening 4| when in position in the casing 40. The member |c may be open at its lower end and its upper end may be closed by a rounded .or tapered head 42. It is preferred to make the member Il" of substantial wall thickness so that its expanded part will have sufficient strength and thickness. The member IC is formedy of anv expansible and ductile material such as copper, aluminum and its alloys, lead and its alloys, tin, or the like. The external surface of the member may be coated with synthetic rubber or may be provided with other sealing material, if desired.

The means l2" for expanding the member |e is in the nature of a pressure generating means located Within the hollowmember The means |2c includes a charge of explosive or other material adapted to be ignited or set off by 'ignition to develop a substantial pressure. The charge of the means I2c is contained in a frangible container 43. The container 43 ts in the member ||c with suitable clearance and-is preferably spaced between the ends of the member. The charge containing cartridge or container 43 is secured to the lower end of a cable or line 44. The line 44 may serve to carry the expansible member ||c so that the member llc-and the pressure generating means I2c may be simultaneously run into the well on the line. The cap or head 42 of the member ||c may form a rope socket for attaching the member ||c to--the line 44. The line'44 extends upwardly from the by the iluid in the well. The conductors 45 extend to a suitable ignition means 46 for setting The ignition means 46 may be contained in the upper portion of the container 43 and is an electrical ignition means of any suitable type. The invention is not primarily concerned with the details of the .ignition means 46 and these details are omitted.

In carrying out the method of the invention with the apparatus illustrated in Figs. 6 and '7 of the drawings the location of the leak or opening 4| is rst determined. The vmeans I2C and the member ||c are then secured to the line 44 and are run down through the casing 40 on the line. The apparatus is lowered to a position such as illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings where the expansible member |c extends a considerable distance above and below the opening 4|. The

charge container 43 and passes through the head f 'line 44 may be measured as the equipment is lowered into the Well to bring the member IIc to the desired position. The circuit carried by the conductors 45 is then controlled to actuate the ignition means 46 so that the explosive charge in the container 43 is set off. The pressure generated by the means 12 operates to expand the member Ilc and to drive it outwardly into tight sealing contact with the internal surface 'of the casing 40.- Fig. 'l of the drawings illustratesthe manner in which an intermediate portion of the member I Ic maybe expanded by the means I2 to tightly seal with the casing 40 and to close the opening 4|. The member Ilc may be expanded in such a man!` er that it has a wail portion driven or bent into the opening V4|. The column of fluid standing in the well may serve to confine the pressure generated by the means I2c so that it acts to effectively expand the member I lc radially into sealing contact with the casing 40 throughout its circumference.

Following the actuation or discharge of the means l2c the line 44 is raised and withdrawn from the well. The head or upper portion of the container 43 may remain on the lower end of the line 44 following the discharge of the means I2c and when the line is raised this portion of the container may open or spread the head 42 and pass through the head. The head 42 may be weakened, slotted or otherwise constructed in such a manner that a substantial upstrain on the line 44, following the expansion of the member Ilc into secure engagement with the casing 40, may break or spread the head to allow upward movement of the line and to permit the upward withdrawal of the remaining portion of the container 43. Then the line 44 is withdrawn from the well. If desired or necessary the unexpanded upper and lower portions 47 and 48 of the member Ilc may be removed to leave the expanded portion 49 in sealing contact with the casing 40 to close off the opening 4I. A ripper, or a suitable cutting tool may be operated in the well to cut the portions 41 and 48 free from the expanded portion 49 and the freed portions of the member IIc may be withdrawn from the well.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of the apparatus and manners of carrying out the method of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific detailsl herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. The method for sealing and securing a tube -of ductile material to the wall of an oil or gas well comprising positioning the tube of ductile material in the well, and then suddenly expanding the tube to grip and seal with the wall of the well by discharging an explosive charge in the tube.

, 2. The method of providing a seal between a string of well casing and the wall of an oil or gas well comprising connecting a ductile tubular member withI said string, bringing said string to the desired position in the well, and then expanding the tubuular member into intimate sealing contact with the wall of the well by generating uid pressure in the member.

3. The method of providing a seal between a tubular structure and the wall of an oil or gas well comprising connecting a ductile tubular member with said structure, bringing said structure to the desired position in the well, and then expanding the tubular member into sealing contact with the wall of the well by exploding a charge in the tubular member.

4. The method of sealing with the wall of an casing comprising arranging a tubular member f of ductile material in the casing, and then expanding the member to seal with the casing at the leak by actuating a iluid pressure generating means in the member. Y

6. The method of repairing a leak in a well casing comprising arranging a tubular member of ductile material in the casing, and then expanding the member to seal with the ,casing above and below the leak by actuating fluid pressure generating means in the member.

"7. 'I'he method of making a shut-olf in an oil or gas well comprising providing a hollow member of ductile material, lowering the member into the well on a well string, expanding the member to seal with the well wall by firing an explosive charge in the member, disconnecting the string from the member, and then withdrawing the string from the well.

8. The method of sealing with the wall of an oil or gas well comprising providing a hollow ductile member, providing an explosive within the member, running the member and the explosive into the well, and then expanding the member into sealing contact with the well wall by setting off the explosive.

9. .Apparatus for providing a seal in an oil or gas well comprising an expansible hollow member for arrangement in the well designed and proportioned to expand against the wall or" the well, and means for generating pressure in the member to expand the member against the well Wall, said means comprising a charge of explosive in the member, and means for setting olf the charge.

10. In apparatus of the character described a tubular structure for insertion in an oil or gas well, a hollow ductile metal member connected with the structure designed and proportioned to expand against the wall of the well, and explosive means for expanding the member against the wall of the well to provide a seal between the structure and the well wall.

11. Apparatus for use in an oil well or other earth well comprising a tubular member of ductile material designed and proportioned to expand against the wall of the well, means for running the member into a well, and means for expanding the member to seal with the wall of the well comprising fluid pressure generating means to be run into the member in the well, and means for actuating the pressure generating means.

12. Apparatus for making a shut-off in a well comprising a hollow member of ductile material having a closed lower end and an open upper end, a well string :for lowering the member into a well, and means for expanding the member radially to seal with the wall of the well including an explosive charge to be fired in the member.

13. The method herein described for providing a seal between a tube and the wall of an oil or gas well comprising arranging the tube in the well, and then expanding the tube to seal A use in an oil or gas Well a tubular member of ductle metal designed and constructed to expand into sealing Contact with the Wall of the Well, means for running the member into the Well, and means for expanding the member to seal with the wall of the Well comprising an ex plosive charge carried by Jche first named means and located in the member, and means for ex-y ploding the charge.

15. In apparatus of the character descrlzoedforl use in an oil or gas Well a tubular member of ductile metal designed and constructed vto expand into sealing contact with the Wal] o f `the Well, means for running the member into a well, and means for expanding the member tovseal with the wall of the Well comprising a line to be run into the well, an explosive charge on the charge.

AARON ENGLISH. 

